Planning a Bridal Shower: Themes, Invitations, Gift Ideas and More

The tradition of throwing a bridal shower began in the 16th century with a poor young couple in Holland. To ease the couple’s material burden, friends and family showered them with gifts. Today bridal showers are often more elaborate affairs, and the Web sites recommended in this Planning a Bridal Shower Web Guide can help you plan a bridal shower to remember.

Food Network
presents a list of simple foods and drinks appropriate for a bridal shower. Recommendations are meant for a brunch or tea, but there are also suggestions for an “all-dessert” shower and a coed shower.

Brides.com
offers thousands of food ideas for bridal showers. Search by food type (desserts, hors d’oeuvres) and cuisine (American, Asian). Contact information is available for many of the caterers who’ve created these dishes.

The New York Times
features recipes for 101 hors d’oeuvres that can be made in “20 minutes or less.” They’re not specific to bridal showers, but one of them might be a great fit for what you’re planning.